Spinaches in Leeds

Sow a short row or patch around 18th February - 4th May, using fresh seed every 21 days for a steady supply. Sow thinly in shallow drills about 2–3 cm deep and keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 10th April, thin them to the final spacing so each plant has room to make broad leaves. Use scissors rather than pulling if the roots are tangled, and water the row after thinning.

From 3rd April, watch young plants closely and clear slugs and snails by hand, traps, or a simple barrier. They can strip a row in one night, especially in damp weather, so check at 3rd April - 1st May regularly.

From 10th April through 26th May, keep the soil evenly moist so the plants stay tender and do not bolt early. Water at the base in dry spells, and give container-grown plants extra attention because they dry out fast.

Start picking from 1st May and keep going until 31st January. Take outer leaves for cut-and-come-again harvesting, or cut the whole plant just above the crown if you want a single larger crop.